Tourism – a world of opportunities

Many people think of tourism as something that touches their lives only when they travel away from home. In reality, tourism is much broader, and influences many people’s lives every day.

Tourism is big business. This industry is one of the largest in the world today and continues to grow! Currently, tourism accounts for more than 13% of global consumer spending, and there is no end in sight.

When there is growth in an industry there is also greater potential: more room for skilled people, for new ideas, for promotion, for starting new business. The careers and opportunities are boundless. There are over 400 different occupations in tourism industry. Positions range from working directly with customers to executive jobs. No matter where you work, tourism careers are rarely routine or predictable. As most positions involve working with people and meeting their varied needs and expectations, the occupations in tourism are both interesting and rewarding.

In an essentially people-oriented industry, there are ideal positions for those who prefer active and varied jobs. Further on, as you learn and gain experience, you can move along the career path to positions that may require overseeing business operations or forecasting sales and marketing plans. Many move on to own and operate their own tourism businesses. This doesn’t differ from any other industry, but the time needed in the tourism sector is often shorter for hardworking individuals.

Successful work in some of the tourism occupations requires a set of main skills that include excellent communication skills, ability to work with people in a team environment, service attitude and focusing on the task at hand. You need to be cheerful, show enthusiasm, do your best to help customers and co-workers, be willing to learn and to work hard. Other occupations demand, in addition, varying degrees of education, training or experience. Consider too that no matter what tourism position you hold, you will require a good attitude, a professional behaviour and a positive outlook.

Tourism positions often pay well. Since most tourism jobs are service related, many employees also receive gratuities, commissions and/or discounted or complimentary products. Remember, that a combination of education and experience can often increase the rewards received.

Tourism career paths

Most tourism professions pursue one of four tourism career path categories. They are: front line positions; supervisory positions; management positions; executive positions. These different position levels relate to levels of responsibility, authority and control within an organization.

Front line positions are the starting point for many people with tourism careers. These positions generally involve direct contact with customers and often need people to work together as a team to meet customers' needs and expectations. Many front line positions may require shift work. Some positions are seasonal, offering more hours during peak season, and then perhaps temporarily reducing staff numbers as the low season approaches. But if you like variety, the freedom to finish work early or start work late in the day, and/or time off seasonally or periodically so that you can take courses or travel, front line positions may be ideal for you.

Supervisors oversee front line duties. They coach their teammates, offering direction, setting guidelines and policies, and generally ensure work is done as efficiently as possible. They may also hire, train, discipline, motivate and promote staff, write schedules and review staff performance. The role of supervisor can be quite varied. They often perform front line tasks, covering for breaks or helping at peak times. But generally they have some administrative